Memorable stays at new and updated properties around the world
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
As the world opens up, Canadians are ready to get out and explore again. After years cooped up at Casa Home Sweet Home, travellers are open to splurging a little more on memorable stays during their getaways.
Here’s a look at new hotels and resorts to consider across North America, Europe and beyond.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching the first resort from its upper-luxury brand, Regent Hotels & Resorts, this spring in Vietnam.
Regent Phu Quoc will feature 176 suites and 126 villas, set along a private beachfront along Long Beach.
While the hotel is conveniently located 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, it’s also a great base for exploring the national park that makes up nearly half of the island. The northern part of the island is home to 121 square miles of lush tropical forest, which has been declared as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, while the southern part of the island is popular for its pristine white sand beaches.
The property will offer six dining venues, including Oku, a Franco-Japanese Salon de Beouf; Bar Jade, an inventive cocktail bar; Rice Market for traditional Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine; and Ocean Club which serves up laid-back beachside fare.
Eastwind Lake Placid
Eastwind, the Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel and glamping grounds in the Catskills, is opening a second location in Lake Placid this spring.
Previously a 1950s motor inn, the boutique retreat in the Adirondacks will feature 26 designer-curated accommodations including luxury cabins and one standalone two-bedroom residence with vintage Scandinavian design and postmodern inspiration.
Occupying five buildings on 2.8 acres of land along the Chubb River, Eastwind Lake Placid will feature an array of indoor and outdoor experiences. Amenities will include a pool (set to open in late summer), a vintage library, a spa, a communal fire pit, saunas, bike and skate rentals, and weekly programming such as live music, yoga and pilates classes.
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Nobu Hotel Barcelona, part of the globally established lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, reopened in February. The luxury lifestyle hotel officially opened in 2019 following a multi-million dollar renovation and is now welcoming guests back under new ownership.
The hotel has 259 rooms and suites, including a 1615-square-foot Nobu Suite, a wellness and fitness facility, meeting and event spaces, a Nobu Café, and a Nobu Restaurant with panoramic views from the 23rd floor.
Set between the charmingly Catalan neighbourhoods of Eixample and Sants, the hotel is a five-minute stroll from Plaza de España, a ten-minute walk to Montjuïc Museum Quarter and 15 minutes from La Rambla.
The Dorian
Closer to home, The Dorian, Autograph Collection — a premium, lifestyle hotel in Calgary — is now accepting fall reservations.
Designed with the essence of Oscar Wilde’s infamous novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” in mind, the hotel located in Calgary’s business district will offer 137 uniquely themed guestrooms.
“The Dorian’s heartfelt design and local flair will have it quickly become the favourite destination for business and leisure travellers, as well as those looking for that perfect venue for their special event,” says David Keam, General Manager, The Dorian, Autograph Collection and Courtyard Calgary Downtown, Concord Hospitality.
The Dorian is also positioning itself to appeal to individuals seeking a unique and exclusive venue for weddings and social events. People can choose from a variety of spaces, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 335 guests.
The Leta
For travellers searching for a classic Southern California retreat with longboards, poolside cocktails and coastal cuisine, consider The Leta, formerly the Kimpton Goodland in Santa Barbara. The charming beach chic hotel is ushering in a new era after AWH Partners purchased the property and Spire Hospitality took over its management. The new name is a nod to the city of Goleta, where it’s located.
“The Leta is an elevated historic hotel rooted in the California vibe and beach culture of Santa Barbara,” says long-time general manager Barry Dorsey. “It will continue to be a Santa Barbara led team. The Airstream and Woody will remain for the classic guest photos, the restaurant menu —a local staple— will stay the same and the fire pits and pool area will continue to be the heart of the property.”
However, the 158-room hotel features an enhanced guest experience with modern WiFi and streaming services, higher quality bedding and an open lobby.
Local art, music, food and wine are at home here and the hotel boasts 6,000 square feet of meeting space for locals and out of town guests alike for one-of-a-kind meetings and events.
Thompson Madrid
Renowned for combining curated design and culinary sophistication with the right amount of edge, Thompson Hotels has announced its first foray in Spain with the opening of Thompson Madrid slated to open later this year. The 175-room luxury lifestyle hotel — including 23 standout suites — is designed to appeal to both business and leisure guests, located in the centre of the new Golden Mile of Madrid, steps away from some of the most visited icons of the city, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía street.
Guestrooms will feature balconies and terraces with city views and fashion-forward art and style. For an even more lavish stay, Thompson Madrid will offer a two-story penthouse with panoramic views.
The rooftop, with a signature terrace featuring a bar and restaurant, will offer stunning views overlooking Madrid and will include a state of the art outdoor pool, a hilltop residential style bar, and a destination day club. Thompson Madrid will also have a speakeasy style venue.
Southernmost Beach Resort
For Key West-bound travellers, Southernmost Beach Resort has debuted an extensive US$15 million renovation to its exterior façade, breezeways, and 243 guestrooms. This comes on the heels of the recently completed refurbishment of the resort’s lobby, Pineapple Pool and Bar, and the addition of an exterior patio at the signature Beach Café, creating a fresh and modern resort experience.
The renovated Key West island resort, aptly named for its location at the southern tip of famed Duval Street, is inspired by Key West’s charm, rich history, and laid-back ambiance.
“The extensive renovation and refurbishment perfectly showcases the natural beauty of this renowned Key West destination,” says Sarka Takovich, general manager of Southernmost Beach Resort. “The light, open and airy design evokes the laid-back, free-spirit ambiance that visitors seek in Key West. You are immediately transported to the Keys’ pace of life as soon as you step foot into your room. It’s why people come here.”
The guest rooms’ oversized bathrooms were not overlooked in the makeover process. White subway tiled walls and showers create a bright space, and vanity mirrors and sinks featuring wooden shades and clean lines are offset by turquoise chevron pattern tiles.
Southernmost Resort’s renovation will be complemented with a final phase in 2023, focusing on its four guesthouses.
